Trevor Lawrence and the Clemson Tigers defeated Alabama 44-16 in the National Championship game. His dominant performance as a 19-year old freshman led many to contemplate if his performance provides evidence college players should not have to wait three years before being eligible to play in the NFL. Just the year before, Tua Tagovailoa, proved age requirements in football are meaningless when he replaced Jalen Hurts in the 2018 National Championship game. He led his team to victory while also winning Offensive MVP. There is a legitimate argument if both quarterbacks could declare for the NFL Draft they would be the top two quarterbacks chosen.
Production and Projection should Matter
Dwayne Haskins is expected to be the first quarterback taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. While he had an excellent season and possesses the prerequisite size and skill-set NFL teams want from a quarterback. He is benefiting from what many see as a weak quarterback class. If given the opportunity, both Trevor and Tua would likely be drafted ahead of Dwayne. Both were better players than Dwayne Haskins this past year. Both project as better NFL quarterbacks long term. If both players produce and project to be better pros then why are many pundits hesitant to have younger players enter the draft?
Natural Bias Against Younger Players
Many do not argue against players having the opportunity to declare for the NFL Draft early; especially when considering the NCAA is unfairly making money from players’ likeness without them making a dime based on “amateurism”. However, there are credible people who legitimately believe players under 21 would not be able to handle the physicality of the NFL. Others believe college offers players a better opportunity to develop than the NFL. While this maybe true for most players, there are elite-level talents who have proven their entire lives to be exceptions to the rule. The issue is many people hold on to traditional thought that simple experience trumps actual ability.
When comparing players, many coaches will hang on to the concept older automatically means better; however, as Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa have proven ability should matter beyond age. Trevor Lawrence was able to beat out Kelly Bryant for the starting position this year. Just one year after Kelly Bryant led Clemson to the playoffs. Dabo Sweeney saw the clear talent gap between Trevor Lawrence and Kelly Bryant so he went with the better quarterback. Even though Kelly Bryant was more experienced, more proven and physically further ahead. He still was not the better player and as a result of Dabo’s decision they won the national championship.
Give the Kids an Opportunity
Many people believe because the NFL set an arbitrary rule requiring players to stay three years in college then all players need to at least be 21 years of age to succeed in the NFL. Considering the success of players like Trevor Lawrence and Tua Tagovailoa who have already outperformed players older than them. Experience is a valuable trait; however, there are cases when the talent gap is too difficult to ignore. Players talented enough to play at the highest levels should not be denied the opportunity to test their skills against the best, regardless of age. The NBA is already considering eliminating their age restrictions. It might be time for the NFL to consider the same.
